SPINK2 gene

SPINK is the acronym for "Serine Peptidase Inhibitor Kazal" and comprises a gene family placed on different chromosomes. The members of this gene family code for the specific proteases, the Kazal-type SPINK protease inhibitor family (SPINK). These are serine peptidase inhibitors. They contain at least one inhibitory Kazal domain. This domain binds to its target, the serine proteases, and inhibits their proteolytic functions. This regulatory inhibitory function and its fine-tuning is fundamental for many epithelia.

The SPINK2 gene is located on chromosome 4q12 and encodes a protein of the same name. The SPINK2 gene is expressed mainly in the testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle, where its antimicrobial function may be involved in fertility protection (Rockett JC et al. 2004). Xue C et al. demonstrated that its increased SPINK2 expression in acute myeloid leukemia cells is associated with a poor prognosis.

1. Magert HJ et al (1999) LEKTI, a novel 15-domain type of human serine proteinase inhibitor. J Biol Chem 274:21499-21502
2. Rockett JC et al (2004) Gene expression patterns associated with infertility in humans and rodent models. Mutat Res 549:225-240
3. Weber C et al (2017) The serine protease inhibitor of Kazal-type 7 (SPINK7) is expressed in human skin. Arch Dermatol Res 309:767-771.
4. Xue C et al (2019) Elevated SPINK2 gene expression is a predictor of poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia. Oncol Lett 18:2877-2884.